Myrl Jeffcoat wisgroup_leader@yahoo.com

Thanks to Pam Dowd for this find among the Breast Implant Litigation Evidentiary Files. Also, please note Pam's poignant comments at the bottom of this post. I fully agree that the paragraph 2 comment about having a hysterectomy and breast restorative surgery at the same time, is a very curious remark. Example of letter in Dow Corning packet for women to send to congress.

Myrl Jeffcoat

http://www.webstarmagic.com/wisletter.htm
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

____________________________________________

DCC000034032-33

October 31, 1991

Rockville, MD 20857

Dear Dr. Kessler,

1) Recently, I acquired a copy of the FDA backgrounder issued on September 5, 1991. After reading this document and discussions with my physician, I felt a plea to your department was in order.

2) Health problems at an early age (not cancer) destroyed my bustline and a great deal of my self esteem. Years of barbs and jokes added to the destruction. For sixteen years, I read every bit of information available regarding breast implants and restorative surgery as well as discussing it with several physicians. Three years ago, a complete hysterectomy was necessary and I elected to have breast restorative surgery at the same time. My selection of a physician was lengthy and carful and based on my own "interviews’ with several, as well as the approval of my own gynecologist of seventeen years. I HAVE HAD NO ILL EFFECTS OF ANY KIND from that restorative surgery. The change in my self esteem and confidence has been a 180.

3) Perhaps a role reversal in the vernacular will put it better. Supposing a health problem reduced the size and natural appearance of your manhood, or maybe your development halted at age 13, and women with the occasion to do so, made cruel jokes and laughed at you. You can certainly imagine how it would affect you mentally and emotionally. And the, technology developed a reasonably safe procedure to correct this though there were certain POSSIBLE dangers. If you could, you would have that surgery in a heartbeat! And you would be incensed if an agency such as the FDA took that choice away from you by forbidding the product’s use in the United States. Does this make the picture clearer?

4) There are many healthcare products that contain or use silicone such as artificial joints, pacemakers and artificial valves. More than 6 million people have these types of implants. Approximately 2 million women have silicone type implants and fewer than 100 incidents of immune-system disorders have been documented. There is no more than the generally accepted rate of occurrence that exists in the same population of women without implants. In addition, a poll indicates that 93 percent of the women with implants are satisfied and have had no problems, and 96 percent would have the surgery again if they had to do it over. I am among those who have had no problems and would do it again. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.

5) If the FDA persists and prohibits the use of implants, those of us with implants who did need "repair" or replacement would be forced to travel outside the United States for the surgery, which in itself could pose greater hazard to our health than the implants do.

6) Finally, another side, the United States was founded about 200 years ago with the concept of equality and freedom—freedom to CHOOSE our own paths. More and more in recent years, the Government and its Agencies are whittling away at the right to be free and the right to choose. The position of freedom and equality has been a slow and difficult battle for women as it is. The male ideals of what constitutes a nice figure and appearance has long burdened female population to meet the expectations and standards.

7) I beseech you NOT to take this choice away from us! Instead, insure that guidelines are adhered to by the manufacturers. Insure that we are informed. Require data and studies to be continued. Accumulate data from physicians—they have been performing the surgery for nearly 30 years AND treating health disorders.

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS AWAY FROM US!

Sincerely

_______________________________________________

Pam's concerns about the letter:

Paragraph 2: What does having a hysterectomy have to do with the choice to get breast implants?

Paragraph 3: Does this women really expect us to believe that Dr. Kessler would allow his "manhood" to hang out for women to inspect?

The author refers to a poll without naming the poll, who took the poll, how the poll was taken, when it was done or how many people took the poll.

Paragraph 6:

The author of this letter has still not learned her lesson. She is still trying to please men and apparently believes all women should do the same.

Madam, it has taken a few years but the FDA has given you back your right to choose to be stupid.

Paragraph 7: Just what does this woman think the FDA was doing by having hearings? Attempting to get manufacturers to adhere to safe standards and protect the public